Phone companies must verify caller ID to fight scam robocalls

Scammers often fake the number on your caller ID so a robocall looks like it comes from your bank, a government office, or a local number. The law made phone companies use STIR/SHAKEN on their internet-based networks. It sends signed information showing whether the caller’s provider verified the customer’s right to use the displayed number; it does not prove the caller is trustworthy. Most covered providers had to comply by June 30, 2021, though some had later deadlines. Older, non-internet portions still have an extension while carriers work on authentication and robocall mitigation. In 2026, the FCC proposed more steps to close remaining loopholes.

You don’t need to sign up. Carriers can’t add an extra line-item charge to consumer or small-business bills for required call authentication. Robocall-blocking services must offer a way to correct mistakes, with no extra line-item charge to consumers and no extra charge to callers for resolving complaints. The law also lets the FCC add up to $10,000 per call to other penalties for intentional violations of federal robocall rules. It gives the FCC four years, rather than one, to pursue intentional violations.

Sens. John Thune, a Republican, and Ed Markey, a Democrat, wrote and introduced the Senate bill in January 2019. Frank Pallone led the House bill, then negotiated the compromise with Thune, Markey, Greg Walden, Mike Doyle, and Bob Latta. The Senate passed its version 97–1; the House passed the compromise 417–3, and the Senate agreed to it by voice vote. President Donald Trump signed it on December 30, 2019.